Born on Feb. 5, 1930, in Barre, Vt., she was the daughter of Charles and Edna Leel.

She moved to Portsmouth in 1959, where she quickly made friends and became involved in the seacoast community. She met and married Thomas Papadinis in 1963. Rowena was well known in the area as the manager of Sweaterville USA for over 25 years.

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she enjoyed knitting, cooking especially Greek foods, traveling with friends and family, and relaxing at the beach.

To her grandchildren, she was known as “Yaya,” and they enjoyed days at the beach, holidays and vacations with her for many years.

Rowena is survived by her son, Bruce Perreault, and his wife, Ann, of Leicester, Vt.; her daughter, Maxine Jerauld, of Hampton, N.H.; four granddaughters, Christin Murphy, Stephanie Jerauld, Kate Callahan and Brye Beckwith, and their spouses; and her sister, Maxine Leel Crehan, of Hanover, Mass. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Aidan, Kiera, Declan and Amanda, and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Tom, and her brother, Charles Leel.

A special thank you to the incredible team at Clipper Harbor Alzheimer’s Care Unit for their kindness, love and support for Rowena during her last journey.

A private memorial service will be held in Vermont at the discretion of the family.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the New Hampshire Alzheimer’s Association, 5 Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 201, Bedford, NH 03110, or at alz.org/manh.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre, VT.